Bathroom Remodels in San Francisco
San Francisco issued 2,670 bathroom remodel permits in the last 12 months; the median estimated construction cost for one- and two-family homes was $50,000.
San Francisco at a glance
- Bathroom remodel permits issued in San Francisco, all property types, last 12 months
- 2,670 permits
- Share of San Francisco bathroom remodel permits on one- and two-family homes, last 12 months
- 65.3%
- Median estimated construction cost, bathroom remodel permits on one- and two-family homes in San Francisco, last 12 months
- $50,000
San Francisco Department of Building Inspection, Building Permits (DataSF) · data as of
- Numbers from SF DBI and US Census public records
- Up to three local contractors, never a long list
- Free, no obligation
San Francisco bathroom remodel permits and housing facts
San Francisco bathroom remodel permits and housing facts
Local numbers for San Francisco, each with its source and date.
- Share of San Francisco housing units built before 1980, 2020–20241
- 76.5%
- Median year structure built, San Francisco housing units, 2020–20241
- 1946
- Share of occupied San Francisco housing units that are owner-occupied, 2020–20241
- 38.2%
- Median value of owner-occupied homes in San Francisco, 2020–20241
- $1,394,500
Planning your project
San Francisco issued 2,670 bathroom remodel permits over the last 12 months, and 65.3% of them were for one- and two-family homes. The median estimated construction cost on those home permits was $50,000. These are permit figures, not contract prices.
What San Francisco's homes mean for your bathroom remodel
Most homes in San Francisco are old. Census data for 2020–2024 shows 76.5% of housing units were built before 1980, and the median year built is 1946. In an older bathroom, check supply lines for galvanized pipe, cast-iron drains, hidden water damage under old tile, and ventilation. Homes built before 1978 may have lead-based paint, and old tile or adhesive may contain asbestos. Test these early, before you commit to a design.
Most occupied homes in San Francisco are rented. Only 38.2% of occupied units are owner-occupied. If you own a rental, plan the work around your tenants' schedule and explain the timing to the builder before you agree on a plan.
The median value of owner-occupied homes was $1,394,500 over 2020–2024. Use that figure only to think about budget against resale in general terms. Set a budget with room for hidden repairs, and ask a local builder for an estimate for your home.
Bathroom remodel cost figure from San Francisco permits
| Project | Figure | Range on a shared scale |
|---|---|---|
| Median estimated construction cost, bathroom remodel permits on one- and two-family homes, San Francisco, last 12 monthsA median estimated cost on the permit application, not a contract price. Your project cost may be different. | $50,000 |
Bars share one scale, from $0 to $50,000.
This is the median estimated construction cost written on San Francisco building permit applications for one- and two-family homes over the last 12 months. It is what the applicant expected the permitted work to cost, not a contract price or a quote. The real cost of your project is often higher because of design, finishes, work not on the permit, and your home's condition. Get an estimate for your home to know your number.
The typical path for a bathroom remodel in San Francisco
The typical path for a bathroom remodel in San Francisco
Plan the layout and budget
Decide what you want to change and what you need to keep. Set a realistic budget that leaves room for surprises, especially in an older home.
Choose fixtures and tile
Pick the tub or shower, toilet, sink, faucets, tile, and vanity. Ask your builder how long these items take to arrive so the schedule holds.
Check whether you need a permit
Ask the contractor or the San Francisco Department of Building Inspection whether your work needs a building permit. Do not assume the answer; confirm it in writing.
Get the permit where needed
If a permit is needed, the contractor or applicant submits the plans and waits for approval before work starts.
Demolition, with testing first in older homes
Remove the old fixtures, tile, and finishes. In older homes, test for lead-based paint and possible asbestos in tile or adhesive before demolition starts.
Rough-in plumbing, electrical, and ventilation
Run new supply lines and drains, and update electrical wiring and ventilation. Inspections may be needed before the walls are closed.
Waterproof the wet areas
Install a waterproof membrane at the shower and tub areas. Check for hidden water damage in the subfloor and walls before sealing anything.
Install tile and fixtures
Set the tile, install the fixtures, and finish the paint and trim.
Final inspection and walkthrough
Schedule the final inspection if your permit requires one, and walk through the finished bathroom with your builder before final payment.
Bathroom remodel questions for San Francisco homeowners
Do I need a permit for a bathroom remodel in San Francisco?
Confirm this before you start. Ask the builder who receives your request, and check with the San Francisco Department of Building Inspection. San Francisco issued 2,670 bathroom remodel permits over the last 12 months, so permitting is common for this kind of work. Whether your specific job needs one depends on the scope.
Why does an older home matter for a bathroom remodel?
Many San Francisco homes are old. Census data for 2020–2024 shows 76.5% of housing units were built before 1980, and the median year built is 1946. Older homes can have galvanized supply pipes, cast-iron drains, hidden water damage under old tile, and limited ventilation. Homes built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint, and old tile or adhesive can contain asbestos. These are things to check, not certainties for every house.
How much does a bathroom remodel cost in San Francisco?
The median estimated construction cost on San Francisco permits for one- and two-family homes was $50,000 over the last 12 months. That figure is the estimate written on the permit application, not a contract price. Your real cost depends on your plans, finishes, and what the walls and floor reveal. An estimate for your home is the surest way to plan your budget.
What if I own a rental property in San Francisco?
Most occupied homes in San Francisco are rented. Census data for 2020–2024 shows 38.2% of occupied units are owner-occupied. If you own a rental, plan the work around your tenants' schedule and tell the builder about access and noise limits before the quote. The median value of owner-occupied homes was $1,394,500, so think about how the remodel fits your budget and the home's likely resale value in general terms.
How do I start a bathroom remodel?
Start by writing down what you want changed, what you want to keep, and your budget range. Then request an estimate from a local builder. Before you hire anyone, check the contractor's license status with the CSLB (Contractors State License Board).
Recent work by a contractor in our network
Photos from the contractor's own projects, used with permission. Captions name the type of work.
Primary bathroom 
Guest bathroom 
Bathroom in an ADU 
Primary bathroom 
Guest walk-in shower 
Addition / ADU bathroom
Request a free estimate from a local builder
Tell us about the project. It takes about 30 seconds.
- You send a short request. Project type, ZIP code, timing and how to reach you.
- We match it. A local contractor for your project gets your request. Up to three may contact you, and we email you each one's name.
- You talk about your project. The estimate is free, with no obligation to hire.
Thanks — your request is in.
We're matching your project now. When a contractor takes it, we email you their name and phone number so you know who is calling.
We're matching your project now. A local contractor will call you at the number you gave us to talk about the next step.
Who gets your request
Your local match
Your project · works in San Francisco
Matched to your project. We check the project type and ZIP first. Up to three local contractors may contact you, and we email you each one's name.